Becoming an effective critical thinker requires one to learn positive thinking dispositions. These are the tendencies that a person has towards thinking and the way in which they behave as a result of that thinking. Critical thinking is effected by values, habits and motivations, all of which help to determine whether or not good thinking is used when it is needed most. It enables us to make good arguments and to evaluate the arguments of others. It is at the heart of good decision making. The great news is that critical thinking can be thought and learned and most of us can significantly improve our ability in this area.

Initially participants gain a full understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin effective Critical Thinking. They will also learn how to use critical thinking tools and will practice using these tools to address real issues. This workshop is about being able to do… rather than knowing about.

This skill, like Influence is very much a “life skill” and an opportunity for personal development as opposed to a training session. Prior to attending this workshop participants will have all completed the Birkman Profiler and a Critical Thinking Assessment during the Self Awareness Module. These results of these assessments will act as a guide and enable each individual to focus on some specific opportunities for development.

The Agenda will cover:

How to understand and apply the principles of critical thinking

Understanding strengths, bias and development needs

Asking the right questions to get answers and think through options

Using diversity of thinking to generate new ideas

Examining evidence objectively and defining the problem accurately

How to expand perceptions about situations and problems

Apply critical thinking to a systematic problem solving model

Understanding how to manage “Ego” and “Group Think”

Recognising and dealing with rhetoric, fallacies and ambiguity

Learning how to use standard form to make and evaluate arguments, interpret situations, draw inferences and deductions and make decisions